LIFEST Y LES AN ADVERTISING SECTION OF EVERGREEN NEWSPAPERS | VOL. 14 ISSUE 8 • AUGUST 2022
The 56th Annual Evergreen Fine Arts Festival
Offers Attendees an ‘Art and Soul’ Experience
Photo by Ellen Nelson
By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles
If you are looking for fun and exciting ways to enjoy the sunny days of summer, be sure to include the 56th Annual Evergreen Fine Arts Festival in Evergreen, Colorado on your August list of things to do. This year’s spectacular weekend event will be held from 10:00 am-5:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, August 27-28 at the Buchanan Recreation Center Ball Fields, 32003 Ellingwood Trail in Evergreen at Evergreen Parkway (Highway 74) and Squaw Pass Road (Highway 65). The festival site is five minutes from Evergreen Parkway Exit 252 at I-70 and just 35-45 minutes from Denver. There is no entrance fee required to attend the festival. The Evergreen Fine Arts Festival is a juried art show, which means each artist applying to become part of
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OF THE MONTH the festival must submit a sampling of their work to be judged before a panel of jurors. This panel is comprised of specialists in their specific medium. Each category has its own set of judges who are usually fellow artists. This year the festival will feature more than 95 new and returning local and national artists. Participating artisans will showcase their creativity in varied mediums, including: ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, wood, and more! With the approaching holiday season, which will be here sooner than later, attendees are encouraged to browse the artists’ booths to discover handmade treasures for themselves and everyone on their gift list.
“The Evergreen Fine Arts Festival, sponsored by The Evergreen Artists Association, has held a presence in our mountain community for the past 56 years, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic” said Julie Sims, Co-Director of this artistic endeavor along with Martha Cofran. “I think the Evergreen Fine Arts Festival is so popular with locals and attendees far and wide because it provides all art lovers, novice art collectors as well as seasoned art aficionados, with the opportunity to find artwork that they just can’t live without,” said Julie Sims. “Attendees know that they are going to find spectacular art in various price ranges.” The Evergreen Artists Association will hold its
Please see FINE ARTS, Page 2
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FINE ARTS From Page 1 annual awards dinner for its artists on the Saturday evening after the festival closes to the public. Awards will be presented for: Best in Show as well as for each category: 2D (Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media 2D); 3D (Metal, Sculpture, Mixed Media 3D); Clay/Wood/Glass, Fiber/Functional/Leather, Jewelry, and Photography (Photography, Digital Art). A People’s Choice Award will also be given out that evening. Festival attendees are encouraged to visit the artists’ booths during Saturday’s event and fill out a card, available at each booth, for their favorite artist. People’s Choice Award cards can be turned in at the information booth at the festival entrance. The winner Photo by Ellen Nelson
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56th Annual
August 27th and 28th, 2022 10am to 5pm
Fine Art
Food Music Spirits Fun for the whole Family Buchanan Recreation Center Fields 32003 Ellingwood Trail, 80439 (Hwy 74 at Squaw Pass Road) www.evergreenfineartsfestival.com
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LIFEST YLES | AUGUST 2022
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Call or email to learn more: 303 679-8777 Monica.Carruth@cassialife.org 31383 Frost Way, Evergreen ElkRunAssistedLiving.com
a ministry of
Elk Run Assisted Living offers: Apartments Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Respite Speech Therapy Rehab Suites Independent living with services
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The location you love. The lifestyle you’re looking for
Elk Run Assisted Living: Offers Family Caregivers Respite and Peace of Mind By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles
It is often not an easy task to juggle daily work schedules and commitments to schedule time for a weekend getaway or dream vacation without other family members tagging along. Many vacation-bound couples seek help from grandma and/or grandpa to watch their kids. But when the care you are seeking is not for your children but for your parents or other aging loved ones, stress levels can rise. Do not despair; Elk Run Assisted Living in Evergreen offers family caregivers the assistance they need when they need it. Most people in the foothills and surrounding areas know that Elk Run Assisted Living located at 31383 Frost Way
provides safe and secure comprehensive living services/options (assisted living, medical and personalized care services) for seniors as well as independent living for active people 65-years old and over who are looking to minimize their home-related responsibilities and enjoy a more carefree senior living lifestyle. However, in addition, Elk Run also offers respite care, which can provide principal caregivers a much-needed break from the stresses of caring for an aged, ill, or disabled family member. Families can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that this community’s welltrained 24/7 staff, including two onsite nurses, is always available to provide to its residents (both respite and full-time) any additional care they may require. “Respite is good not only for the sake
of primary caregivers but also for their loved ones as it affords seniors a ‘mini-vacation’ of their own for a short period of time,” said Admissions/Marketing Director Monica Carruth. “A minimum respite stay here at Elk Run is six days with a maximum stay of approximately three months.” “Respite care enables seniors to socialize with others, make new friends, and enjoy activities beyond the confines of their daily home environment,” said Activities Director Barre McKee. “Elk Run’s respite residents can participate in any and all activities they enjoy such as exercise, drawing/painting, gardening, pet therapy, and more.” “Elk Run puts forth a communitywide effort to make newcomers (full-time or respite) feel at home as quickly as possi-
ble.” said Monica Carruth. “Within a few days of arrival we conduct new-resident orientations and meet-and-greet activities with resident volunteers often escorting our “newbies” to dinner and/or group activities.” Elk Run’s remodeled basic one-bedroom or studio apartment rentals showcase a long list of amenities, three daily meals served in the newly-renovated dining room, a beauty/barber salon, Great Room, and a Library. Elk Run’s goal is “to help you live the life that most inspires you.” If the person you care for enjoys their respite stay, consider their full-time move to Elk Run. Contact Monica Carruth (303-6798777) for all Elk Run’s living options and services, including respite care.
Great Gear to Help You Check-Off Your Summer Bucket List (StatePoint) Ticking off your summer bucket list but want to pack light? Check out this round-up of hybrid gear that will take you everywhere, from mountain trails to lakeside picnics and to beach barbecues, with ease.
Hike and Water Shoe Your feet do a ton of work during summer adventures and deserve to be happy in all kinds of terrain. With toe protection, traction and a footbed that conforms to the shape of your foot, the classic Newport Sandals from KEEN are not just rugged sandals you can wear while trekking on land, but also are built for activities in and around the water (and are machine washable to boot). So don’t be afraid to wear them
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paddleboarding, when wading in the ocean, or on any other amphibious adventure. Going hiking? They make it easy to splash through the creek, plunge into the pool of a waterfall and trudge through the mud. This original design is available in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes and in a range of colors and patterns. Hands-Free Hauling On excursions of all kinds, tasty snacks and cold drinks are a must. That’s where YETI’s Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Cooler can come in handy. Worn like a backpack to offer hands-free hauling, its ergonomic shoulder straps mean it can go where others coolers can’t. Plus, it features Advertising Department Donna Reardon, 303-566-4114 dreardon@coloradocommunitymedia.com Ruth Daniels, 303-566-4113 rdaniels@coloradocommunitymedia.com
a magnetic closure and innovative insulation system to keep your food and drinks fresh all day. Versatile Outerwear When you’re underprepared, nothing puts a damper on an outdoor expedition like a sudden turn in weather. Select outerwear designed to keep you comfortable, come what may. The Teca Half Zip Windbreaker from Cotopaxi, great for summer adventures, packs easily into a daypack but is built for wind and light rain, so you can layer up when the moment’s right. From daytrips to road trips, the right gear will fuel your fun and support you every step of the way. Production Department Tom Fildey, 303-566-4142 tfildey@coloradocommunitymedia.com
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If You Snooze, You’ll Lose! The clock is ticking on being able to take advantage of the current tax credit! If you haven’t heard about the Federal Biomass Tax Credit, it is a credit for 26% on your entire project cost with a qualifying appliance. This credit is calculated from the whole project, including the appliance, installation labor, chimney system and finishing materials. This tax credit is at 26% for the rest of this year only, so order now to take full advantage of this tax credit! If you’ve been considering switching to wood or pellets, or updating your current appliance, there is no better time than now! Not only are you ahead of our usual busy season, but you’re also guaranteeing we will have more inventory of these high-efficiency biomass heaters. We have pre-ordered many of our best-selling woodburning stoves and inserts that qualify for this tax credit. We are all aware of the increasing lead times for common household items, and shortages that seem to come out of nowhere- so don’t let that effect your home heating too. It can be difficult to think about heating your home in the winter when it is one of the warmest months of the year! But cold weather will be back before we know it- so now is the time to start shopping for the perfect new high-efficiency woodburning appliance for your space. The wood burning and pellet fueled appliances available today and qualify for the tax credit, are the most efficient they have
ever been. But what does that efficiency do for you? It means you get more heat from each log added to the fire. In addition to the heat output, you’ll have to add logs or fuel less often with the current technology. If you want to increase your home’s warmth, beauty, safety, energy independence, and environmental sustainability, there is no better option than good ol’ wood burning! You can add a woodstove anywhere you want more heat, or you can improve an inefficient open-face fireplace with an insert, and you even have the option of a built-in zero-clearance wood burning fireplace. It is also possible to add a wood burning fireplace or stove where there wasn’t one before. No more chilly addition or den in your home! Today’s new wood burning fireplaces, stoves, and inserts are more than just extraordinary heaters, they’re stylish too! New wood burning appliances are available in a variety of sizes and design options to be the perfect addition to your home. They all have one thing in common: a large glass viewing area that showcases the flames burning inside. The large glass built into the door isn’t your ordinary tempered glass either, it’s a special ceramic glass that is designed to radiate heat into your home. Because of this feature, your fireplace can heat your home even when the power is out! The doors on new wood burning fireplaces aren’t just for admiring the fire, they’re the secret to the high efficiency
include an inspection, which evaluates the firebox, damper, and chimney system; we also get on your roof to clean and inspect your cap, and we evaluate the exterior portions of your chimney. At the end of the service, we write everything up so you have documentation of safety, and if there’s something we recommend repairs on. Gas fireplaces, stoves, and inserts need annual service too! For this service we clean the fireplace, glass and components, refresh the burner media, perform a leak test, and evaluate all the components to make sure they are functioning properly. Call today to have our certified technicians complete your annual service or repair a nonfunctioning unit. Don’t get caught up in the ever-increasing gas prices, make the switch now to a high-efficiency woodburning appliance. With the added incentive of the federal tax credit, you can take the comfort and warmth of your home into your own hands! You’re invited to see our variety of wood burning appliances in our showroom at 7001 Highway 73 in Marshdale. We have a large assortment of sizes, shapes, and styles for your home! Come visit us from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday, and 8am-4pm Saturdays. You can also see our products and portfolio of work on our website at www.MtnHP.com or reach us by phone at 303-679-1601, and email at Office@MtnHP.com.
and low emissions. Outdated open-face fireplaces allow a large volume of air from the living environment to over-feed the fire and escape right up your chimney. This is problematic because then the fireplace is burning through more wood than is necessary, and surrounding rooms become cold as the air from outside leaches in. Today’s wood burning appliances regulate the airflow into the firebox, conserving fuel and more effectively warming your home. A new wood burning appliance becomes an investment in your home, saving you money on heating fuel in two ways! New wood burning hearth appliances are also safer for your home. They are installed as a complete UL listed system that is designed and tested to be safe at the high temperatures put out by a wood-fueled fire. Additionally, if you have an older fireplace system, the years of use or improper care can be degrading the safety of the unit itself and putting you at risk of a chimney fire. With the high efficiency of newer wood burning fireplaces comes a cleaner burn. This means less creosote is accumulating in your chimney, which is what burns in a hostile chimney fire. If you already have a fireplace in your home that you love, now is a great time for your annual service! Sweeping away the accumulated creosote and soot every year is necessary for the optimal performance and safety of your solid fuel appliance. Our annual service appointments also
Order Now To Take Advantage Of These Amazing Savings!
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s!
ifie ual
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LIFEST YLES | AUGUST 2022
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Ask for Directions to Build Trusting Relationships Did I tell you I love to travel? I’ve visited nearly all these United States, crossed the borders into Canada and Mexico, swam in the Atlantic and the Pacific and the Gulf and the Caribbean, and sailed to exotic ports from Alaska and Hawaii to the Mediterranean. I’ve flown in a helicopter over the volcanos in Hawaii, dived the trench in Grand Cayman, traveled at over 205 miles per hour on a bullet train across Italy, tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, stared in wonder at the ancient structures of Athens, and walked the marble road in Ephesus. And soon, I’ll travel through the Panama Canal and check that adventure off my bucket list. Through all my travels, maps have been a necessity. Once you decide where you want to go and determine your starting point, maps can help you can plan the best route. I usually prefer taking the scenic route for a richer experience. But some people prefer the shortest distance while others take the quickest route. But sometimes I need help finding my way, especially if the map isn’t making sense and I get lost. I need to ask for directions. Why do some people hate asking for directions? It’s about being vulnerable and asking someone else for help. Maybe they’re afraid they’ll seem foolish or
be ridiculed for not knowing. I truly enjoy meeting new people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, so asking for directions isn’t a big deal. I’m also interested in learning about their history and experiences, and I’m always intrigued to hear their perspectives, many of which are quite different than mine. Being from that area, they can always help me figure out where I am, and how to get to where I need to be. Our strength lies in our differences, not in our sameness. It should be common sense that we’re all different and see the world through our own unique lenses. But common sense is rarely common practice. We live and work with and around other people, each with unique talents, gifts, and skills. And because we also have differing perspectives, it can be a challenge. Very few of us can get by without getting along with others. For many it’s more comfortable to be around people who look, talk, and dress like us, and have the same interests. This can lead to the mistaken notion that “Everyone sees the world as I do.” In fact, we all see the world as we are, shaded by our own personal experiences and perspectives. This mindset can make it harder to accomplish our goals and get to where we want to be in life. It’s simple – just ask for help! People
are different, and our strength lies in appreciating and celebrating our differences. Oftentimes, we try to take the easy way out or stay in our comfort zone. We may decide we don’t have time to take the longer route to understanding each other and our differences. And we won’t always ask for directions. With people, think of your desired results in that relationship, both personally and professionally. This can also help prepare you for challenges ahead and the time and effort required to get there. Being ready to admit being lost and asking for help is important. It allows others to see you as human. Some will want to take the quickest way to their goal in relationships, and some risks are involved when choosing this route. Others will want to take the shortest way – this route also has some specific risks. And some will choose to take the longer scenic route, which is always the best choice for long-term relationships. Even if you chose the more complex goal, you should still start with trust. Trust is foundational and should be the first step in building relationships…pure and simple. Building trust and establishing credibility helps everyone get along and get things done together. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
If trust is part of your goal, what are the things you can do and say that will build trust? Plan to do and say those things today, this week, next month, all year! What are the things that you might – through insensitivity or just not thinking of the consequences – do or say that could bust trust? Avoid those things at all costs. Plan to NOT do them. And commit to these things by writing them down. Finally, ask others for help. You’ll find that involving others can build trust organically. You don’t always have to adopt their ideas, but people want to be heard and considered, and feel understood. There are many more ways in which we are alike, and ways in which we differ. This is similar to knowing how driving over a narrow mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains will differ from driving on an interstate highway across the Central Plains. Thank you for once again reading my thoughts to paper. At RPM, our entire goal is to create trust and credibility, and remember, part of that is helping you to protect what matters most. Call RPM Agency for a quote on your home(s), auto(s), RV, motorcycle(s), 4-wheeler(s) or boats at 720-683-0010. www.rpmagency.com
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FINE ARTS From Page 2 of the People’s Choice Award will also be able to participate in next year’s festival. Regardless of your artistic tastes, this “art and soul” experience offers fun for every member of the family. Children can enthusiastically engage and participate in face painting and a variety of craft projects available to them in the Children’s Tent located near the entrance of the festival. Foodies will delight in tantalizing their taste buds with delicious edible fare and thirst-quenching soft drinks from the following food vendor booths: Grammy’s Goodies, High Society Pizza, Keyes Concessions, Rocky Mountain Lemon Shakers, Rocky Mountain Wraps, and Slife’s Devil Dogs and Sweet Freeze. As you meander around the grounds of the Buchanan Athletic Fields enjoying the artistic sights to behold at the 56th Annual Evergreen Fine Arts Festival, be sure to allot some of your time to the participating talented performers who will make our foothills come alive with the sounds of music. This year’s festival features guitarist and Evergreen local Ann Dam-Johnson, Drew Dvorchak, a blues rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist who resides in Denver; North American guitarist El Javi who defies music genres with his unbound exploration of instrumental music that incorporates elements of flamenco, progressive rock, classic, folk and world music to shape his compositions; Family Recipe, a five-piece instrumental fusion group with genre influences ranging from jazz to bluegrass to rock; Maybe Fern, four local female musicians with a new sound; Pennies On the Track, a Colorado Front Range Band; Andy Potter and Friends, musicians of jazz, R&B/soul and rock; and Mark Swaim, a talented Colorado born and bred musician excited to bring his passion for music to the festival. This eclectic line up of musicians is sure to offer musical entertainment that will appeal to everyone. Fronting the baseball field limited free handicap parking with a state issued placard or license plate is available and easily accessible to the festival. Paid parking spaces are located fronting the baseball field. The paid parking area is also limited; however, these fees benefit Conifer High School softball on Saturday and Mountain Backpacks on Sunday. It is strongly suggested that attendees utilize the designated parking and free shuttle service. Beginning at 9:50 am, free shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes from designated parking areas. The final shuttle will leave the festival grounds at 5:00pm. Designated parking locations are as follows: Bergen Meadow Elementary School, 1422 Sugarbush Drive in Evergreen and Evergreen Middle School, 2059 Hiwan Drive. Parking might be available at the RDT lot to the north, but
LIFEST YLES | AUGUST 2022 it is not guaranteed nor is it associated with the festival. Absolutely no parking in the recreation center parking lot! Smoking and/or vaping at the festival site is prohibited. “The Evergreen Artists Association is comprised of eight amazing board members. It takes lots of people to put on this type of event,” said Festival Co-Chair Julie Sims. “We simply could not produce this event without our dedicated members, countless volunteers, and festival sponsors. We are thankful for each and every one of them as well as for Ellen Nelson, an amazing photographer, whose photos taken at our 2021 Evergreen Fine Arts Festival are shared within this article.” “Last year we were paired with volunteers from Conifer High School’s National Honor Society and its National Art Honor Society,” Sims explained. “We also partner with local nonprofits to run the paid parking area and all monies they make go directly to their organizations. We are truly so thankful to each and every one of our volunteers, contributors, and sponsors who have supported art in our foothills over the years and enable us to make this annual artful offering such an enduring community event.” The Evergreen Artists Association presents one ($1750) scholarship each year to a graduating high school senior studying in the arts, one ($300) grant to an adult artist for supplies or anything that might further his/her artistic career, and one ($300) grant to a local school for use in its art program. Painter Edgar Degas (18341917) once said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” With that thought in mind, know that the Annual Evergreen Fine Arts Festival in Evergreen, Colorado offers its attendees a plethora of artistic creations to see, enjoy, and purchase. The expressiveness of each artist’s imagination, vision, and original ideas will be on display at the Evergreen Fine Arts Festival…find what pieces speak to you and make them your own. Be sure to mark your calendars for the 56th Annual Evergreen Fine Arts Festival on both Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28. Come out and join the fun from 10:00am-5:00pm at the Buchanan Recreation Center Ball Fields, 32003 Ellingwood Trail in Evergreen.
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Photos by Ellen Nelson
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Summer Travel Safety Tips (StatePoint) While everyone looks forward to summer road trips, travel can come with unexpected safety emergencies. David Nance, founder of SABRE Personal Safety Academy and CEO of SABRE, the number one personal safety brand of consumers and law enforcement worldwide, provides travel protection tips for different scenarios. Driving The National Safety Council says traffic death rates are three times greater at night. “If you can’t avoid night driving, have at least one passenger stay awake to talk to the driver,” says Nance. You can also make car travel safer with the SABRE Safe Escape 3-In-1 Pepper Gel With Seat Belt Cutter and Window Breaker with Snap Clip. The built-in belt cutter helps free yourself in an emergency, while the steel window breaker could come in handy if vehicle doors are jammed or electric windows fail to operate. Another good choice for driving is the 2-in-1 Flashlight With Pepper Spray, SABRE PepperLight. Ideal for helping navigate auto issues such as changing a tire at night, its ultra-bright flashlight shines up to 540 feet, and its strobe flashlight setting can ward off and disorient potential threats. It also contains 25 bursts of pepper spray for protection against multiple threats. Around Town “Looking at your smartphone can dis-
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your travel companions too. If they’ve had more than their limit, don’t let them leave alone or with strangers.
Personal safety products can offer peace of mind on summer vacation. tract you from noticing potential threats,” says Nance. “Stay engaged while exploring a new destination.” At the same time, you can also use tech to your advantage to store emergency contacts and access safety apps. Using geo-tracking technology through the free SABRE Personal Safety App, SABRE’s SMART Pepper Spray connects with a smartphone and sends help alerts to assigned emergency contacts. They’ll be immediately notified of your location if the
SMART Pepper Spray is deployed or the inapp alert button is pressed. It can also alert first responders with a subscription. For a smaller pepper spray option that is about the size of a lipstick and can be easily carried for on-the-go safety, try Mighty Discreet. Its twist top prevents accidental discharge and the snap clip provides immediate accessibility. Going out for the night? Keep an eye on your beverage and don’t accept drinks from strangers. Be sure to watch out for
At the Hotel Don’t take chances. Lock the doors at your hotel and secure important belongings in the safe. For extra protection, you can take home security on the road with the SABRE Door Stop Alarm, a portable, wireless alarm that doesn’t require installation and can be heard up to 1,000 feet away, alerting neighbors and helping frighten intruders. Its wedge shape blocks inward opening doors. “Having personal safety products is part of the equation. Knowing how to use them safely is just as important,” says Nance. “You’ll want to create a clear safety plan. If you’ll be carrying pepper spray, consider practicing first. Practice water canisters are available and a good idea for first-time users.” Products from SABRE are available nationwide at Walmart, Target, Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lowe’s, Menards, Academy, and Bass Pro Shops, among other national retailers. While it’s legal to carry these safety products in all 50 states, check local laws where you’ll be traveling. For more information and safety tips, visit www.sabrered.com. With smart safety strategies and tools, you can make summer travel just what it should be -- a time to explore, relax and have fun.
5 Ways to Save at a Time of Higher Gas Prices and Rising Inflation (StatePoint) With higher gas prices and rising inflation putting pressure on finances, drivers are looking for ways to save on the cost of car ownership. On average, it costs between $15,000- $24,000 to own a car over a five-year period, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, repairs, financing and state fees. While some of those costs are beyond your control, here are five things you can do to lower the cost of car ownership: 1. When shopping for a vehicle, compare prices at multiple dealerships and research factors that will influence the cost of owning a particular model car, such as its fuel efficiency, along with the estimated cost of repairs and parts replacements down the line. 2. Scan local gas stations for the best price and consider becoming a rewards member at grocery stores that offer fuel perks. Certain gas brands have rewards programs as well, many of which you can access via smartphone apps. 3. Consider setting up a savings account for car-related expenses. Earmarking some of your income for automotive needs will help ensure you can cover expected and unexpected costs. 4. Drive safely and more consciously to conserve fuel. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “obeying the
speed limit, accelerating and braking gently and gradually, and reading the road ahead can improve the fuel economy of your vehicle by 15%-30% at highway speeds and 10%-40% in stop-and-go traffic.” 5. Talk to your insurance agent to make sure you are getting all the car insurance discounts you deserve. Erie Insurance offers a wide range of discounts and money-saving features, such as first accident forgiveness, diminishing deductible, reduced usage, youthful driver and college student. They also offer a discount for bundling policies and have an app called YourTurn that can reward you for safe driving. Drivers may earn up to $20 a month in gift cards. To learn more, visit erieinsurance.com.
“We know that at a time of rising prices people are looking for ways to reduce the cost of car ownership, and insurance is one place to start,” said Bob Buckel, vice president, Personal Auto, Erie Insurance. “Looking for a plan that gives you exactly what you need and nothing you don’t means you’ll be protected while not paying any more than you should.
This is a great time to reach out to your independent insurance agent to review your policy and discounts.” While the future of inflation rates and gas prices is uncertain, the good news is there are creative ways to lower the cost of owning your car so you can enjoy the road.